Weekend Full of Festivals in the Tennessee Valley

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Tennessee Valley, Ala. (WHNT) The first Saturday in October brings a wide variety of activities across the Tennessee Valley. From fiddling to bagpipes and marching bands, there is a festival to fit anyone’s interests this weekend.

Fiddlers Convention

Fiddlers from across the country will rosin up their bows this weekend for the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention in Athens. Organizers say the convention attracts 200 contestants to compete for prize money. There will also be numerous jam sessions throughout the event. The city estimates 15,000 people will attend the convention this year from more than 30 states. The event also features 150 arts and crafts booths. Follow the sound of the music to the Athens State University Campus. Gates open at 8:30am on Saturday. Cost is $10.

Madison Street Festival

The city of Madison’s streets will be filled with arts/crafts, performers and children’s activities on Saturday. The Madison Street Festival kicks off with a parade at 9 a.m. on Hughes Road and ends on College Street. WHNT News 19’s Chief Meteorologist Jason Simpson and Storm Hunter 19 severe weather tracking vehicle will be among the parade participants. Admission is free.

Scottish Festival/Highland Games

Kilts, kabers and collies will be some of the attractions at the 25th North Alabama Scottish Festival and Highland Games this Saturday. There will also be bagpipe music and booths featuring traditional jewelry and weaponry. The event is hosted at Sharon Johnston Park in New Market from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12.

Festival Forecast

WHNT News 19 Chief Meteorologist Jason Simpson says the weather looks good for all three events on Saturday – “warm and dry from start to finish” said Simpson in his forecast. Simpson said there will be a gradual increase in clouds and a high temperature in the middle to upper 80’s on Saturday. Simpson said, “There is a very small risk of a shower west of I-65 around the Shoals after 7 p.m., but even then we are talking 10-20% odds.” He said Sunday is the day to expect a cloudy sky, occasional rain and storms, and temperatures in the 70’s.